Chapter 58: Trending Topic

Vivienne leaned against the window, her gaze tracing the crescent moon, half-hidden by wispy clouds. A melancholic shadow crossed her features. "After my return, I investigated thoroughly. All evidence pointed to him."

When she first discovered the Mitchell family's precarious financial situation, she had deliberately approached Warren, offering assistance. Their relationship unfolded with calculated precision. She developed genuine feelings, but the sentiment was hers alone. To Warren, their three-year connection was merely a clinical transaction.

Owen remained silent on the other end of the phone, the quiet stretching between them. Finally, Vivienne spoke, her voice resolute. "Let's consider those three years as repayment for a life-saving debt. From this moment forward, I have no connection to him."

After ending the call, Owen sent a stark warning via WhatsApp: "Stay away from Derek Hopkins!"

Vivienne powered down her phone, crossing her arms defensively. Her eyes drifted to the rose bouquet on the table. Derek's promise echoed in her memory: "Do it your way. No matter what happens, I'll always have your back." It seemed Owen's warning came too late.

The next morning, over breakfast, Vivienne's phone buzzed with a call from Sienna.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, how can you still sit there eating like nothing's happened?" Sienna's voice exploded, sharp with frustration. "I'm so mad I could throw something! Natalie's twisting the story on social media, making it look like you attacked her for no reason. The whole internet is losing its mind! It's trending, Vivienne—trending! Her fans are ready to storm the gates. Is this your idea of 'handling it yourself'?"

Natalie, with her angelic image and devoted fanbase, had them eating out of her hand, especially after news of her injury surfaced. They were practically sharpening their pitchforks.

Vivienne wiped her mouth, stood, and quickly bid her grandfather goodbye before grabbing her bag. "Let her have her moment."

Sienna's tone shifted, suddenly curious. "Wait—you've got a plan, don't you?" Excitement bubbled in her voice. "I've been itching to see her put in her place. If you're going to handle her, do it right. Make sure she stays down for good."

Vivienne smiled faintly as she slid into her car. "Don't worry."

By noon, Sienna burst into Vivienne's office, her energy electric.

"What are you doing here?" Vivienne asked, raising an amused eyebrow as she closed the file.

"Why else? To chat. Maybe grab lunch." Sienna tossed her bag onto a sofa and sauntered over, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "You still haven't told me how you're planning to take down that conniving snake. Ever since you said you'd act, I've been dying to know!"

Vivienne remained silent, her expression unreadable.

Unfazed, Sienna grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the door. "Fine. Keep your secrets. But you can spill them over lunch—my treat!"

15:15

Soon, Sienna was driving her new car toward an upscale restaurant, the engine humming smoothly as they chatted. The conversation flowed freely as they settled into their seats, enjoying their meal. But mid-bite, Vivienne's phone buzzed insistently. Seeing Derek's name, she hesitated before answering.

"Have you seen what's trending online?" Derek's low, magnetic voice filled the line, smooth and deliberate, sinking into her ears like a stone into still water.